Another Oil Tanker Hit by Drone Boat as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise

An oil tanker was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, marking another attack in the area that triggered an explosion and left one crew member dead.

The vessel, named MKD VYOM, was carrying approximately 59,463 metric tons of cargo. (Photo: Maritime Optima) 

A tanker flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands was attacked by a drone boat 52 nautical miles (96.3 kilometers) off the coast of Muscat, according to Oman’s Maritime Security Center (MSC), Quirino Mealha reported for Euronews.

The vessel, named MKD VYOM, was carrying approximately 59,463 metric tons of cargo.

The attack triggered an explosion in the main engine room, causing a fire that killed one Indian crew member.

There were 21 people on board — 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis and one Ukrainian. Oman’s MSC evacuated the crew using the commercial vessel MV SAND, which flies the flag of Panama.

On Sunday, Oman’s MSC had already reported a separate attack on a Palau-flagged tanker off the coast of Musandam.

The statement did not specify who carried out the attack, though the vessel was reportedly under U.S. sanctions.

Omani authorities said they are monitoring the damaged tanker and issuing warnings to ships transiting the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident underscores rising maritime risk as oil prices surged.

Traders are betting that supplies from Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East could be disrupted. U.S. benchmark crude rose 7% to $72 a barrel, while Brent crude climbed 7% to $78.40.